[Updated 6/8- now with pictures!] For the first time ever, Weta Workshop is opening the doors to part of the visual effects facilities to visitors. The multiple Academy Award-winning company behind the magic of movies such as Lord of the Rings, King Kong and Narnia, is inviting fans to visit them in Miramar, Wellington at the Weta Cave.
Not a typical shop, it is designed it be both fun and artistic and offers three experiences- a mini museum, a theater and a gift shop.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to do this”, says Weta creative director and co-owner Richard Taylor. “Tania and I have had this dream for years and we are incredibly pleased that we’ve managed to realize it.”
“We know a lot of people have wanted to see what we’re all about!”, Richard continues. “It’s one thing to see it on the big screen, but this way we can give Wellingtonians and visitors a much closer view of Weta.”
The museum allows visitors to come face-to-face with some of the characters, props and displays which have been selected from the more than 20 years Weta has been serving the local and international movie industry. Accompanying these pieces are the stories of how they were brought to life, and about the artists who created them, giving visitors a greater understanding of the creative process.
The theater, also known as the Weta Cave screening room, will feature a behind-the-scenes look at Weta via a brand new and unique 20-minute film. It features interviews with Weta co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk and gives you exclusive insight into the creativity and imagination that goes into crafting the art of Weta.
“Viva WETA and the many ‘toys’ they make! And may Cthulhu give me more shelves to put them on…”
Guillermo del Toro
The Unexpected Party
Finally, so that you don’t have to leave the Weta Cave without a keepsake, the shop features a wide range of movie related merchandise and memorabilia:
– Premium, limited edition sculptures, hand-crafted by the artists at Weta
– All new, unique Weta designed clothing, jewellery and mementoes
– Doctor Grordbort’s range of amazing Rayguns – a Weta original
– Books, DVDs, magazines, posters and art from the world of movies
On top of that is a selection of pop culture collectibles and graphic novels sourced from around the world, such offering include brands like Star Wars, Alien, Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Halo, etc
Getting there:
The Weta Cave is located at the Corner of Camperdown Rd and Weka St, Miramar, Wellington.
For those of you not fortunate enough to live near Wellington, it is only about a 16 hour flight from Los Angles. As you weigh the price of airfare, takes this pictures into consideration:
